Reformists crawl out of the woodwork

Reformists crawl out of the woodwork

From Pikiran Rakyat

Before the struggle for reform was waged by students and the
public succeeded in toppling Soeharto, most people, out of fear
of being arrested, did not have the guts to talk about Soeharto's
vices.

However, as the reform movement finally brought about the
downfall of Soeharto's leadership, all of a sudden late-coming
heroes claiming to be reformists are appearing everywhere. Acting
as if they are the real heroes of reform, they lobby and have
meetings here and there, talk about the post-Soeharto era and
clamor about Soeharto's vices.

Some mass organizations, previously known to have staunchly
supported the renomination of Soeharto as Indonesia's president
for 1998/2003, have now turned 180 degrees and joined the chorus
to condemn Soeharto. Reportedly, a special team or organization
will start an investigation into Soeharto's wealth and see to its
being returned to the state. So, what is this all about, then?

Therefore, let me take this opportunity to call on all
Indonesians, as individuals or as members of certain groups or
non-governmental organizations, to be always on their guard so
that none will ever taint, materially or politically, the
struggle for reform, a holy struggle waged by the entire
oppressed Indonesian population.

BONAR C. SITINDJAK

Bandung, West Java